If you love green fields and rolling hills, quaint villages and magnificent castles, and the warm welcome of a traditional country pub, then look no further than Great Britain and Ireland for your next dream vacation.

For those of you who are excited to travel again and keen to explore these luscious lands, Luxury Gold has three magical luxury guided tours that take in some of the prettiest villages, small towns and landscapes that Britain and Ireland have to offer. We’ve selected ten of the best, so take a read, and picture yourself there.

Unsurprisingly, many of the most beautiful spots in Britain and Ireland are also home to magnificent castles and elegant stately homes, exactly the kind of places Luxury Gold guests should frequent! On our regal Castles & Kingdoms three-week luxury guided tour, you will enjoy the most splendid settings, along with exceptional hotels, exquisite dining and VIP experiences. Here are five of the prettiest villages and small towns en route on this tour:

Alnwick, England

The cobbled market town of Alnwick is a fairytale jewel in the heart of Northumberland. Soak up true English traditional charm as you explore beautiful streets, quaint shops and great cafes. Presiding proudly over the town is the majestic 11th century Alnwick Castle, a true masterpiece of medieval architecture with magnificent interiors and spectacular gardens.

Travel on a Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection departure and meet Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland for a private tour of her exquisite garden, lovingly restored to its former 18th century glory over the last twenty years.

Blarney, Ireland

Picture by 2sometravel

Tudor-style Blarney is a history-buff’s dream – one of its most impressive features being a superbly preserved village square, a focal point of village life. An essential for visitors is to see the famous Blarney Stone, a block of limestone built into the 15th century castle, said to give the “gift of the gab” to those who kiss it. Extensive parkland surrounding the castle features a network of trails and themed gardens – you can still tiptoe your way around Poison Garden to see trees like nightshade, rue, and poison hemlock peacefully coexisting.

Bowness-on-Windemere, England

Picture by Jonny Gios

In the heart of England’s exquisite Lake District, on the banks of heavenly Lake Windemere sits the sprawling small town of Bowness-on-Windemere. One of England’s most picturesque locations, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, savor unrivalled views and enjoy the comings and goings of life on the water.  On our Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour you will stay at the sophisticated Belsfield Hotel, featuring all the charisma and stylishness of a charming country house, from which this magnificent lake district scene is visible at every turn.

Penrith, England

Picture by Michael D Beckwith

This Lake District town of Penrith is surrounded by waters and hills so gorgeous they could be straight out of a romance novel. Surrounded by four castles and two henges, Penrith is beauty and history all rolled into one. Here we visit the Dalemain Mansion and Gardens and meet Jane Hasell-McCosh whose ancestors have been living at the manor since the 17th century. She’ll take you on a personal tour of the beautiful gardens and tell you all about the prestigious international Homemade Marmalade Award founded that she founded – yum!

What better way to see the magic and charm of the prettiest villages than on board the world-famous Royal Scotsman steam train? The ultimate in exclusive travel, our 16-Day British Royale luxury guided tour includes four nights aboard this luxury train. Live like a VIP as you snake through the most enchanting parts of Scotland – here are three of the most amazing spots you will stop at along the way:

• Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

Picture by Sorin Tudorut

Kyle of Lochalsh, the land of castles, hills and lochs, is a gateway to the Isle of Skye, and the stunning north-west coast. An attractive collection of whitewashed houses sits on the banks of the lake, flanked by two of Scotland’s finest mountain ranges, providing amazing views.  The area’s most famous attraction is Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights, perched on the banks of Loch Duich.

• Plockton, Scotland

Picture by Lee Chalmers

Up the coast from Kyle of Lochalsh is Plockton, a pretty fishing village perched on the shores of a sheltered bay overlooking Loch Carron. The village is known as ‘the jewel of the Highlands’ for good reason – it is stunningly picturesque and has a range of outdoor activities, shops and local attractions. On our British Royale luxury guided tour, savor the views from the crystal clear west coast waters, as you take a boat ride to see a colony of wild seals.

• Carrbridge, Scotland

Picture perfect, with iconic sights including a famous 18th century packhorse bridge, and lying beneath the Monadhliath Mountains, the village of Carrbridge with its traditional cottages is an enchanting location. Part of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, this is the perfect place to soak up the full charm of Scotland. It also serves as an ideal base for gentle walks and hikes in the nearby rolling hills, and from which to explore the nearby Balindalloch Castle.

Last but definitely not least, there are few places more beautiful than the villages and small towns of Ireland. Here are three of the prettiest, and you can visit them all on our 12-day Ultimate Ireland luxury guided tour.

Adare, Ireland

Picturesque Adare is one of Ireland’s prettiest villages and is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. Its charming main street is lined with thatched cottages and medieval buildings, and the village is rich in archaeological remains dating back to 1200 AD. The River Maigue weaves through the middle, with the captivating ruins of Desmond Castle sitting on its banks. You will have the chance to explore the stunning architecture of the Trinitarian Monastery and Augustinian Abbey and savor the boutique ambiance as you enjoy the many cafes, shops and pubs.

Cong, Ireland

Situated among the serene Lakelands of Galway and Mayo, Cong is famous for being the location for the 1952 Oscar-winning movie The Quiet Man, staring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Quaint in size but grand in character, its 12th-century abbey in the town center is one of the finest examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland. Home to the magnificent five-star Ashford Castle, your exclusive hotel for two nights on our Ultimate Ireland luxury guided tour, this relaxing retreat boasts sumptuous rooms and unique historic features. On arrival you’ll walk across a bridge to the castle, behind a lone piper who is playing just for you. A truly spine-tingling experience!

Kilkenny, Ireland

Picture by Taylor Floyd Mews

No journey to Ireland is complete without a visit to beautiful Kilkenny. Known as the Marble City, the streets are paved with Kilkenny marble flagstones which glisten when wet, giving a magical glint to this small medieval town. Stroll the Medieval Mile, a scenic a trail that links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral and enjoy this vibrant town, with its outdoor market, live music and colorful shops selling all manner of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Just outside the town is the Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious meal prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re feeling inspired by these three luxury guided tours, take a look at our website.

The word city generally conjures up thoughts and images of hustle and bustle, flowing traffic, bright lights and busy night life. However, they can also serve as a peaceful retreat and the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones, with some of the calmest and most spellbinding cities to be found in Asia.

Renowned for its exceptional hospitality, fascinating culture, delicious food and the most exclusive hotels, Asia has so much to offer the discerning traveler. So, if you are searching for some of the most relaxing places in the world, we at Luxury Gold have uncovered some true gems of tranquility to be found in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Japan.

Each peaceful haven gives you the chance to step away from the hectic rhythm of modern life, enjoy beautiful surroundings and spend a little time with yourself. Explore serene destinations steeped in Buddhist history, discover temples and monasteries, and take a walk through the well-preserved past. Maybe take the extra time to realign your chakras, practice some yoga or try meditation – a chance to focus on your mental health while enjoying a fantastic cultural experience.

These fascinating destinations are also guaranteed to take you on a mouth-watering culinary adventure. Core to Asian culture, street food is freshly prepared and exceedingly tasty and there are infinite options to try in even the quietest city. For starters we suggest that you try Pad Thai in Thailand, Pho in Vietnam and Amok Trey (fish curry) in Cambodia.

Vietnam – Hoi An

Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Hội An translates as “peaceful meeting place” and offers beautiful beaches, a laid-back attitude and an exquisitely preserved Old Town. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An was an important trading port from the 15th to the 19th Century and offers a step back in time for travelers, the perfect escape from the realities of modern life. The beautiful old town, closed to traffic and composed of small colonial style houses, is a bountiful canvas of color with architectural nods to its Japanese, Chinese, French and Vietnamese heritage. Though quiet and calm, Hoi An is a very tourist friendly city, and there is plenty to do. Admire the blanket of lanterns at the night markets and enjoy the local restaurants where you can soak up the unique ambiance of this charming city and savor tasty local cuisine.

Experience the very best of Hoi An on our Spirit of Vietnam luxury guided tour. With the help of a Local Expert, explore the former merchants’ homes, colorful communal halls, narrow lanes and traditional houses, as well as a top highlight, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. We’ll take you deep into the heart of this beautiful and tranquil city, and even introduce you to a special martial arts Master, to discover the art of healing through martial art, and to learn some steps.

Cambodia – Angkor Thom

Stepping into the captivating ancient city and temple complex of Angkor Thom is like stepping into a magical, mythical faraway land. Lose yourself among the endlessly fascinating myriad of temples, each one different from the next, and completely forget about the modern world.  Built around 1200 by King Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, a fortified city enclosing residences for the priest, officials of the palace and military, and the administrative buildings of the kingdom. The 360-acre site is built as a square, each side 3km long and surrounded by a 100m wide moat. Discover Angkor Thom, along with its famous neighbor Angkor Wat and other highlights of Cambodia on our Cambodia & Vietnam in Style and Inspiring Indochina luxury guided tours. You can’t fail to feel uplifted and peaceful when surrounded by such spellbinding architecture and natural beauty so, with its spiritual influence and so many perfect spots, why not take some time to practice a little meditation?

Laos – Luang Prabang

A traditional morning start in the charming city of Luang Prabang involves rising early and offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks, a living Buddhist tradition going back generations. Known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, this charming, serene city in northern Laos is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A particular highlight is Xiengthong, known as the Temple of the Golden City, and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art for the locals. The city is partly located on a peninsula between the rivers Mekong and Nam Khan with mountains surrounding it as far as you can see, and a short walk to the top of Mount Phousi offers spectacular views.

Experience the best of Laos and Luang Prabang on our Sensational Vietnam & Laos 14-Day luxury guided tour. Stay at an exclusive hotel, The Luang Say Residence, a 5-Star boutique paradise. Stroll in its tropical gardens and enjoy stunning views and enjoy a private sunset cruise along the beautiful Mekong River.

Kyoto. Japan-ease

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a freshening oasis of calm and peace in an often crowded and busy country. Famed for its geisha’s and well-preserved architectural delights, the city is home to numerous Buddhist temples, shrines, gardens and palaces. Travelers can soak up the calm and meander through the city enjoying the local teahouses, lantern-lit restaurants and bars, and absorb the zen energy and atmosphere.

Explore Kyoto on our 11-Day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour with the help of the boundless knowledge of your Travelling Concierge. One of the city’s most iconic sights is the tiered golden temple of Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Surrounded by a large pond and beautifully sculptured garden, the temple pavilion is coated in mesmerizing gold leaf that glistens in the sun. We’ll invite you to a special performance by a Maiko, an apprentice geisha. Central to Kyoto culture, geishas are highly skilled entertainers, specializing in classical music, dance, conversation and games, a fine art that has evolved over many centuries.

So, are all these good vibes inspiring you to take a journey to Asia? We certainly hope so. Or maybe we have awakened past dreams of visiting this vast and beautiful continent. Whatever your motivation, we at Luxury Gold guarantee you an unforgettable experience on our luxury guided tours, with magnificent hotels, VIP Experiences and truly exclusive travel with your every need taken care of throughout. Why not take a look through our new brochure for 2022 & 2023 for travel inspiration?

For more information on the stunning tours mentioned in the blog please follow the links:

• Sensational Vietnam & Laos
• Spirit of Vietnam
• Cambodia & Vietnam in Style
• Inspiring Indochina
• Majestic Japan

Ahhhhh, Mmmmm, hot chocolate – oh yes, we’re calling all chocolate lovers as we at Luxury Gold love it as much as you! It’s one of life’s simple pleasures that is also the ultimate indulgence, with a velvety smooth taste and decadent aroma that conjures up feelings of warmth, comfort and a sense of belonging (with just a dash of naughtiness on the side).

Whether you daydream of sipping a thick, creamy hot chocolate at breakfast in a cafe in Florence, Italy, as you watch this enchanting, artistic city come to life, or picture yourself clutching a mug of deep dark velvet as you watch the sun set in Bordeaux, France……take a moment now to picture yourself discovering some of the world’s best recipes as you enjoy an exclusive travel experience with us.

As specialists in luxury guided travel, we at Luxury Gold believe that everyone deserves a treat. So here is a short guide to where you can savor the world’s best hot chocolate, and which fabulous journeys from our collection can take you there. Read on and let your imagination and your senses run wild…

A Short History

Picture by Aidan Cooks

Originating in Mexico, hot chocolate has been a popular drink for thousands of years. First created by the Maya around 1500 BC, it was known as xocoatl and consisted of cacao beans, water and a little spice. Introduced into Europe in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadors, following their expedition to present-day Mexico and the Aztec civilization, hot chocolate soon became a favored exotic beverage around the continent, with its forms and recipes undergoing multiple changes. Hot chocolate was first introduced to North America as early as the 17th century by the Dutch, with its popularity increasing as it began to be sold by colonists around 1755.

Something for every palate

Be it light and frothy and aromatic with lashings of milk or deeply dark and so thick you can stand a spoon in it, there is a hot chocolate recipe to match every palate and moment so let yourself be led by the traditions of your dream travel destination. Choose to add mountains of whipped cream, a dash of spice, jazz it up with a shot of expresso or try the delicate touch of rosemary with wine…and that’s just the start. Of course, nowadays amongst all the indulgence, there are also many healthy ways to enjoy hot chocolate including vegan, unsweetened, and recipes using spices that have health benefits such as cinnamon, cardamon, ginger and turmeric. Whatever your preference, sampling hot chocolate on your travels is always a new delight and will leave you with intense, and happy memories.

Photo by Fallon Michael

Every moment with Luxury Gold is designed to delight and our luxury guided tours take in amazing locations and offer off-the-beaten-track experiences where a hot chocolate is just the ticket. Here are some of the best:

New Mexico – back to hot chocolate’s roots

Given its origins, it is no surprise that New Mexico USA boasts some of the best hot chocolate in the world so it’s our first place to start.  You can visit on our Resorts and Ranches of Colorado & New Mexico luxury guided tour, a stunning journey that explores the very best of the West,  starting in Denver and travelling down through Colorado Springs and onto Santa Fe in New Mexico. Here you can find the Kakawa Chocolate House, founded in 2005, with the name Kakawa deriving from an Olmec word meaning chocolate or cacao. Here you can enjoy a journey through history that delights the palate as they specialize in hot chocolate recipes created from traditional sources, ranging from pre-Columbian to colonial American to contemporary sources. For the brave there is a Chili Elixir, made with spicy chilies, or history lovers can sip the Jefferson Elixir, inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s own recipe.

Poland‘s change of heart

When first introduced to Poland in the 18th Century, chocolate was somewhat controversial. Many did not like its bitter taste and felt it was better used for animals. However, opinions began to change when it was served hot, with added cane sugar, cinnamon and anise – simply delicious! Curious travelers can learn all about the country’s hot chocolate history at the E. Wendel Hot Chocolate Lounge in Krakow, one of the grand cities on our Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour, a voyage of Europe’s grandeur that also takes in Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Warsaw. Dating back to 1851, E. Wedel is the oldest Polish brand of chocolate and has created a refined brand of drinking chocolates served in “chocolate lounges” across Poland. You can sit back and sample from selections such as bitter, slightly bitter, milk, double milk, white, and choose from a range of intriguing flavors including raspberries in wine, and caramel with sea salt.

Chocolat Chaud

For the French, traditional hot chocolate is deep, dark and unreservedly glorious and is the perfect travel companion when on our Ultimate Southern France luxury guided tour. Sip a decadent cup at breakfast as you watch the streets spring to life in Marseille, savor hot chocolate on a lazy brunch with fresh croissants as you relax in the countryside of Provence or enjoy an afternoon’s treat after exploring the sights of Bordeaux. In the early 1600s when Anne of Austria came to marry King Louis XIII of France, she brought hot chocolate in her suitcases. Bordeaux, where she got married, embraced this exotic new ingredient and it became embedded in the traditions of the region. One particular Bordeaux favorite is The Moremont Tea House – discover its unique and intoxicating recipe and get the VIP treatment as your chosen beverage is prepared with the same luxury ritual as if you were the royal princess herself.

Italian flair

Think Italy, think thick, creamy and delicious! You’ll be pleased to hear that the Italians consider hot chocolate an important part of their gastronomic history so you are in for a treat at every turn. One of the best and most historical places to relish a cup and get the full VIP experience is Caffé Rivoire in Florence. Founded in 1872 when Enrico Rivoire, chocolatier of the Savoy royal family, opened up shop, they still use the same traditional secret recipe today and serve hot chocolate almost as rich and dense as chocolate pudding. You can savor mouth-watering recipes at every stop on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour, which takes you on an exclusive voyage through some of the most intoxicating and beautiful Italian cities including Florence, Naples, Capri and Rome.

And of course…..Switzerland

To speak of anything chocolate and not mention Switzerland is like talking about Butch Cassidy without the Sundance Kid, they just go together, making it a must-see destination for chocolate lovers. So not surprisingly there are many great places to indulge in hot chocolate in this sublime Alpine nation. The Swiss often take their hot chocolate with cinnamon and, of course, Swiss chocolate, with some of the most delectable establishments being found in the northern city of Zurich. The first destination on our Majestic Switzerland luxury guided tour, when exploring Zurich take a moment to visit the centuries-old Café Schober, located in the picturesque Old Town. Famed for its rich, creamy recipes, they melt chocolate into whole milk for a sublime and decadent treat. Savor yours with a mountain of fresh whipped cream, or with a shot of espresso as you explore this captivating city.

So if your mouth is now watering and you’re inspired to follow your passion for hot chocolate, why not make yourself a cup and sit down to browse through our fantastic collection of luxury guided tours now available for 2022 and beyond. With every tour featuring exclusive hotels and unforgettable VIP experiences, where will your chocolate passion take you next?

For more information on the following luxury guided tours please follow these links. :

• Resorts and Ranches of Colorado & New Mexico
• Harmony of Central Europe
• Ultimate Southern France
• Ultimate Italy
• Majestic Switzerland

And you can view the full collection here at luxurygold.com